Today, we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Rhinehart.
Hi Alexandria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Sure, for starters, I was born in Virginia. I moved from coast to coast because my father was in the Navy. After living in Los Angeles for some years, I ended up in Dallas, TX.
Today, I own a salon called Cozy Beauty Bar, where we offer skin, lash, and brow services in a luxury environment. I ended up here by being a jack of all trades. In my youth, I always wanted to be in business for myself and always had a creative edge.
For instance, as a tween, I was inspired by Sophia Amoruso, the creator of Nasty Gal. She was able to resell ordinary vintage on eBay by styling it creatively and telling a story. I saw that I, too, could source vintage from my local thrift shop, style it, and make money. I knew about entrepreneurship after selling my first blazer for $80 (which I snagged for under $10).
In Los Angeles, I had many jobs—I worked at Men’s Warehouse on Ventura Blvd, did data entry in the healthcare industry, was a personal assistant for a comedian/writer who moonlighted as an insurance agent, worked at the call center portion of a digital marketing agency, and also worked the sales floor at a luxury custom furniture store.
Through Men’s Warehouse, I learned how to cater to various personalities. Data entry refined my attention to detail. Being a personal assistant helped me learn about the power of money and personal legacy. The call center showed me I could sell anything (plus helped me refine my sales skills). Working in luxury helped me learn how to curate a luxury environment and level of customer service to appeal to high-end clients.
As I got older, I landed a job as a Project Coordinator and turned Project Manager at The Motley Fool’s first venture fund, where we raised 9 figures in commitment. I also worked on their website, among other things like community engagement, data management, strategic planning, etc. This helped me learn all about sourcing capital and investing, which has proven priceless for my family!
While having “more jobs than a Jamaican,” I found myself blogging, writing novels, creating graphics and websites, and selling on my e-commerce site. I am truly a jack of all trades and have always been creative!
I’ve learned so much from each opportunity presented to me. So today, I combined my love for entrepreneurship, digital marketing, operations management, beauty, and luxury to create the salon of my dreams – Cozy Beauty Bar.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has actually been a tough road! I went the no-college route after high school, so in my early 20s, there was no high-paying career waiting for me. Living in Los Angeles and working retail or clerical jobs was difficult. I had an apartment, my own car, and other expenses, so it was challenging at times. That is why I had so many jobs!
After being “independent” in Los Angeles, I did have to move home for a year to get back on my feet. It was a humbling experience but fated. In that time frame, I met my now husband, went to college for Operations Management, and landed an amazing job at The Motley Fool. At the time, that company was extremely hard to get into, but I was placed by a temp agency.
I was extremely nervous and insecure about the fact that I didn’t have a degree. That fear made me overcompensate and excel in my role. It also helped me develop my “left brain” capabilities. I always felt that I needed to be creative to thrive. However, I learned I can be diligent enough for school and work in a professional “office” environment.
Since then, I have been married and have relocated to Dallas. Here, I continued my Project and Operations Management career. Those two companies presented their own challenges and rewards. However, they were both start-ups. I learned what it takes to start and run a business. It was like I broke a fourth wall and saw how simple it could be. I can get the Operations going, source funding (thanks to my knowledge from The Motley Fool), and utilize my creative talents to create something of my own.
Now—having Cozy Beauty Bar hasn’t been easy. We are still growing our client base and spreading the word. The expenses and costs of a business are scary. In addition to being a leader and developing and managing a team, I am on a “bumpy road.” However, I have faith that we will continue to be successful.
Oh, and did I mention that I am a new mom? I opened Cozy just after my daughter turned 1. Being fully present and growing this business has been bumpy, but I am learning to balance more and more with the help of my husband.
As you know, we’re big fans of Cozy Beauty Bar. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Cozy Beauty Bar – is a luxury skin, lash, and brow bar in Plano, TX. We specialize in non-invasive beauty treatments and excellent customer service. We intentionally provide our clients with an upscale experience and enhance their beauty instead of covering it up. Some of our services include eyelash extensions, lash lifts and tints, brow treatments, facials, and more. We are known for our luxury aesthetic, warm welcome, great music, and aromatherapy. We set ourselves apart from other skin, lash, and brow bars by providing a unique, luxurious experience, accessibility, and customer service. We like to say we are the destination for women who are classy and sophisticated. Most beauty bars have a girly, almost “tween” looking vibe. We liken our salon to the Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent of boutique beauty bars. We are proud of the feedback we have received so far. We have all 5-star reviews, which makes us incredibly happy. Right now, we are offering 15% off for new clients!
Pricing:
- Eyelash Extensions: $130+
- Lash Lift & Tint: $75
- Brow Treatments: $23+
- Facials: $50+
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cozybeautybar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozybeautybardfw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozybeautybardfw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cozy-beauty-bar-plano
Image Credits
@brittanyihezie
